Milwaukee native wins $10,000 in UNO Elite Championship

Ian Thompson is the first-ever Uno Elite Champion after winning a national tournament in Las Vegas.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Milwaukee native Ian Thompson is the first-ever Uno Elite Champion, winning $10,000 at a national tournament in Las Vegas. Competing in the NFL-themed version of the game, Thompson says strategy, not luck, carried him through timed, scored rounds against players from across the country.

Why it matters

The Uno Elite Championship represents a growing competitive gaming scene, with players vying for cash prizes in tournaments for classic card games. Thompson's victory highlights the skill and strategy involved in competitive Uno, as well as the appeal of the game to a new generation of players.

The details

Thompson hoisted a gold trophy and oversized check near the iconic Las Vegas sign after his victory. He plans to use the $10,000 prize money to pay off student loans and hopes to defend his title if the competition returns.

  • The Uno Elite Championship tournament took place in Las Vegas.

The players

Ian Thompson

A Milwaukee native who won the first-ever Uno Elite Championship, taking home a $10,000 prize.

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What they’re saying

“Strategy, not luck, carried me through timed, scored rounds against players from across the country.”

— Ian Thompson, Uno Elite Champion (wtmj.com)

What’s next

If the Uno Elite Championship competition returns, Thompson plans to defend his title.

The takeaway

The Uno Elite Championship highlights the growing popularity of competitive gaming, with players demonstrating the strategic depth and skill involved in classic card games like Uno.